So the major change over the past two years is that I have become far more Postmodern. I figured that this might happen after writing theology essays for commissioning in the past few weeks. I found that my concept of the Kingdom of God, life in community, and evangelism were heavily derived from Brian McLaren and N.T. Wright.

After more than 2 and 1/2 years in seminary, I recently asked my wife if she had spotted any major changes in my theology. She said, "Many people go to seminary and stop believing in Jesus. I was worried about that when you started school. But you went to seminary and started believing in social justice."

I think that that's true. It's a libertarian vision of social justice, but it's definitely social justice. I'm far less inclined to conceptualize salvation as individualistic and holiness as personal and now more likely to emphasize the transformation of entire societies into the Kingdom of God. I'm also inclined to envision evangelism as incarnational and outreach as central to Christian life.

"...you went to seminary and started believing in social justice." "So the major change over the past two years is that I have become far more Postmodern." "I'm also inclined to envision evangelism as incarnational..."

I guess I mean, in all good humor, you should abandon post-modern language like 'envision evangelism as incarnational' while retaining the commitment to social justice. Or maybe words like 'incarnational' are temporary artifacts of the seminary that will disappear on their own in time. :-)

By libertarian social justice, I mean that the Church has an obligation to address social evils directly. For example, if the Church responds to poverty by lobbying for state-run social welfare programs, then the Church is avoiding its responsibility. A more authentic response by the Church would be to directly aid the poor.

I find the numbers as interesting as John did. Due to my learnings over the last few years, things have moved a little, although it may not be something to write home to mom about.

John,

I appreciate your definition of libertarian social justice. I am starting to move toward that too, mostly due to the influene for my pastor. He is a great example of a libertarian with a social justice focus.